Trip guide

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Even beginners can handle parts of the 25-mile trail that opened in 2011. Cycle Path and Paddle in Crosby rents bikes and kayaks for travelers eager to explore this pristine park. (218) 546-8131; cuyunalakes.com

Croft Mine Historical Park Learn about the Crosby area’s brief but proud iron mining history during self-guided tours in a cool, darkened tunnel. In the adjacent dry-house-turned-museum, visitors see exhibits about a 1924 drowning disaster that killed 42 miners. Open Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. (218) 546-5466; exploreminnesota.com

Fishing Whether you’re a veteran angler or just want to expose a kid to a few hours out on the lake, the region offers thousands of places to go. (Minnesota residents can fish for free in most state parks.) For a guided experience, try Walleye Dan. Four-hour guided trips from $295. (218) 839-5598; walleyedan.com

Paul Bunyan Land Since 1950, families have brought little ones here to enjoy the amusement rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl and Space Shuttle. These days, they also explore This Old Farm Pioneer Village, a collection of outbuildings stuffed with old farming equipment. Admission charged. (218) 764-2524; paulbunyanland.com

Paul Bunyan State Trail Bring your bike to explore this 112-mile paved path, or rent one for $10 an hour from Trailblazer Bikes (with shops in Nisswa and Brainerd). (218) 963-0699 Though the state’s longest bike path has entry points off of many busy intersections, you only have to pedal a few minutes before you find yourself alone, listening to the wind and the wildlife. paulbunyantrail.com

Shopping Nisswa’s downtown concentrates quality shops into a few blocks: The Chocolate Ox; Zaiser’s for North Woods home accessories; Turtle Town Books and Gifts for children’s books, puzzles and toys; Lundrigan’s for Scandinavian-inspired chic fashions; Appaloosa Ridge for lake-theme gifts and accessories; Massie Creek for high-end home goods; and Urban Accents for cheeky shirts, cards and books. (218) 963-2620; nisswa.com

The Barn Maid-Rite-style sandwiches and pie baked fresh daily (the crust is outstanding; local faves include rhubarb custard and sour cream and raisin) draw crowds to this Brainerd diner for breakfast and lunch. (218) 829-9297

Iven’s on the Bay Seafood fans flock to this classy dining room facing North Long Lake for outstanding sushi, Canadian walleye and steaks—plus excellent seasonal desserts like Key lime cheesecake and caramel-apple bread pudding available in late summer. (218) 829-9872; ivensonthebay.com

Lost Lake Lodge The dining room is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner; offerings run the gamut from fluffy buttermilk pancakes and a simple but well-prepared burger to exquisite sea scallops and walleye cooked in parchment packets. It’s a good idea to make reservations for dinner. (800) 450-2681; lostlake.com

StoneHouse Coffee and Roastery In a comfortable storefront, enjoy beans roasted in-house and scones made with their own ground wheat. In Nisswa. (218) 961-2326; stonehousecoffee.com

Where to stay

Breezy Point Resort The Dockside restaurant and lounge hosts live music, and the double-decker Breezy Belle takes guests out for leisurely lake tours. Spacious vacation homes on the golf course are luxurious splurges. From $319. (800) 432-3777; breezypointresort.com

Grand View Lodge Gracious hospitality and attention to detail define this upscale resort. A small indoor pool and water park overlook the lake. Lodging options range from king rooms to townhomes along the lake. From $325. (866) 801-2951; grandviewlodge.com

Lost Lake Lodge It’s small—13 cabins in all—but the service is fantastic, and the dining room serves beautifully plated meals. From $139 per adult, including breakfast and a four-course dinner. (218) 963-2681; lostlake.com

Madden’s on Gull Lake Whether you want to golf, boat or just jump off the trampoline anchored in the lake near the swimming beach, Madden’s visitors have plenty to choose from. Families prefer cheery lakeside cabins; golfers can snag spacious, comfortable rooms facing the fairways. Kids’ programs promise supervised activities (and a break for parents!). From $239. (800) 233-2934; maddens.com

(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® July/August 2013. Prices, dates and other details are subject to change, so please check specifics before making travel plans.)